VII:6 The monk who accused Venerable Sariputta

It was the end of the vassa rainy season; and Venerable
Sariputta was about to set out on a journey with some bhikkhus. A young bhikkhu,
who bore some grudge against Sariputta approached the Buddha and complained that
Sariputta had abused him and beaten him. The Buddha therefore sent for Sariputta
and gave him the opportunity to explain himself. Without asserting his innocence
he replied as follows, 'Venerable Sir! How could a bhikkhu, who steadfastly keeps
his mind on the body, set out on a journey without apologising, after doing wrong
to a fellow bhikkhu? I am like the earth, which feels no pleasure when flowers are
cast on it, nor resentment when rubbish and excrete are piled upon it. I am also
like the door-mat, the beggar, the bull with broken horns, I also feel abhorrence
for the impurity of the body and am no longer attached to it.'

When Sariputta spoke in such a humble way the young erring bhikkhu
felt remorse and admitted that he had wrongly accused Sariputta. Then the Buddha
advised Sariputta to accept the apology of the young bhikkhu, lest a bad effect should
fall on the latter. The young bhikkhu then respectfully asked for pardon. Sariputta
pardoned the young bhikkhu and in turn asked to be forgiven if he also had done any
wrong.*

All those present praised Sariputta, and the Buddha said, 'Bhikkhus,
an Arahant like Sariputta has no anger or ill-will in him. Like the earth and the
door-post, he is patient, tolerant and firm, he is serene and pure.'